Hanoi (VNA) - A dialogue with the theme“Sustainable Maritime Development: Sharing Vietnam and EU’s Perspectives” tookplace in Hanoi on August 19 with over 150 in attendance.
Co-organised by the Diplomatic Academy ofVietnam, the EU Delegation to Vietnam, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftungpolitical foundation from Germany, the dialogue is an opportunity for an exchangeof opinions on sustainable maritime growth and boosting cooperation betweenVietnam and the EU in this regard.
It consisted of four sessions on the sustainabledevelopment policies of both sides, marine environmental management, a sustainableblue economy, and new trends in maritime-related issues and the future ofVietnam-EU maritime cooperation.
Speaking at the opening session, Dinh ToanThang, head of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of European Affairs, said thedialogue is a meaningful activity and marks the 30th anniversary of diplomaticrelations.
He affirmed that the Vietnamese Governmentvalues international maritime cooperation, particularly with experiencedpartners like the EU.
As part of the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreementon Partnership and Cooperation (PCA), the two have committed to increasing theprotection of the maritime and coastal environment as well as reinforcing the effectivemanagement of maritime resources towards sustainable development.
Echoing that view, Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti,head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, said EU-Vietnam ties have never been as closeas they are now, particularly after the two signed a free trade agreement.
He noted, however, that engagement in bluegrowth remains limited.
He hopes the dialogue will contribute tofurther clarifying the EU’s maritime policies./.